NewCath takes on Holy Cross in anticipated rematch

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is a game that has been on the minds of both sides for some time for different reasons.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team wants to expunge the sour taste of the 24-21 defeat to the District 6 rival Covington Holy Cross Indians on Nov. 18, 2011 in the Class 2A regional title game. The Thoroughbreds had ideas of repeating as state champions coming into last year.

On the other side of the Licking River, the defending state champions want to become more than just a one-year wonder. Kyle Fuller booted a 32-yard field goal with about 10 seconds to lift the Indians to that victory. The Indians went on to beat Somerset in the state semifinals and Glasgow in the title game.

Playoff seedings are at stake in this contest. The Thoroughbreds want to win another outright district championship. They stand 4-4 overall and 3-0 in district action. They’ve won 19 district titles overall, including seven in a row. NewCath has won 22 straight against district opponents in the regular season dating back to 2006, including a spotless 11-0 mark since Eddie Eviston took over as head coach in 2010. They’ve outscored district opponents, 170-22.

“The thing is we’ve been working hard,” Eviston said. “It’s obviously good to get some wins. We’re trying to build some confidence and we’re playing well now.”

The Thoroughbreds played a tough non-district schedule against bigger schools in Class 4A, 6A and Ohio Division III. Voters in the statewide Associated Press have taken notice of that. NewCath moved up three spots to fourth behind Owensboro Catholic, Somerset and Danville in the lastest poll.

Holy Cross comes into the game 3-5 overall and 2-1 in district play. The Indians have a chance at the top seed in the playoffs. They need to beat the Throughbreds tonight and have Newport defeat Lloyd Memorial on Friday.

Both teams have beaten Newport and Bishop Brossart in district action. But while Lloyd edged Holy Cross, 36-35 on Sept. 21, NewCath dominated the Juggernauts, 63-22 exactly 15 days later.

The only other common opponent between the two is 1A power Beechwood. The Tigers manhandled the Indians, 54-21 on Sept. 6 and NewCath concludes at home against Beechwood on Oct. 26.

Holy Cross has played some bigger schools out of Class 5A, District 5 in rivals Conner and Cooper in consecutive weeks. Cooper (7-1) beat Holy Cross, 49-7 on Aug. 24 and Conner (6-2) beat Holy Cross, 67-21 the next week.

The game has an interesting sidenote. Senior quarterback Mitch Trail transferred to Holy Cross in August after spending a few months at NewCath. He moved to northern Kentucky in the spring after throwing for 1,694 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions at Gilbert High School outside Phoenix, Arizona last year. Some things were said on the social network Twitter after Trail transferred in August.

“We try to tell them, ‘Hey, that’s not where the game is won,” Eviston said. “They understand that. We also understand they are kids so that’s a big part of what they do. We try to curb that.”

Trail has taken over at quarterback for Travis Gabbard in recent weeks in Holy Cross’spread offense. Trail completed 9-of-12 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns against Newport.

Trail has versatible backs Burt Pouncy and Jalen Beal with him in the backfield. Beal ran for 184 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns against Newport and Pouncy ran for 155 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Beal averaged 7.36 yards a carry and Pouncy averaged about 14.1.

“(Beal and Pouncy) are definitely their threats,” Eviston said. “They’re quick and physical. We have to concentrate and know where they are every play and take them into account.” 

Pouncy added 93 yards on two catches and a touchdown against Newport. Holy Cross likes to get the ball to them in open space.

NewCath has outscored opponents, 274-153 and Holy Cross has been outscored, 296-275. The balanced Thoroughbred spread offense has gained 2,711 yards and the 4-4 defense has allowed 2,266.

The NewCath offense will face a variety of Indian defenses. Dylan Hayes leads the Thoroughbreds on the ground with 120 carries for 890 yards and 14 touchdowns for an average of just more than 7.4 a touch.

Thoroughbred quarterback Josh Cain has completed 99-of-167 passes for 1,316 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Mac Franzen has been his top target with 33 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns. Franzen, Dan Ruwe, Pete Collopy and Hayes have at least 10 catches each for the Thoroughbreds.

“We have a solid running game,” Ruwe said. “Our offensive line has been picking it up lately. But our passing game has been improving as well. We’ll have both ready for Thursday’s game.”

Ross Meek leads NewCath with 54 tackles. Mason Myers leads the Thoroughbreds with two fumble recoveries and Franzen leads the team with two interceptions.

The game takes place at 7 p.m. at Scott High School in Taylor Mill tonight.